The reconstruction of a breast that has had to be removed due to a tumor or pathology is one of the operations with the best results today, since new medical techniques have made it possible for cosmetic surgeons to create a breast that is very close in shape and appearance to a natural breast.
In some cases it is possible to perform breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy, but it should always be kept in mind that it is not a simple procedure. Normally there will be several options to be considered together by the specialist and the patient. The following is intended to provide some information about the breast reconstruction procedure.
Perfect candidate for breast reconstruction
Most patients who have had a mastectomy are medically appropriate for reconstruction. The best candidates, however, are women whose breast tumor appears to have been most safely removed by mastectomy.
Still, many women prefer to wait for reconstruction because they are not comfortable thinking about it while they struggle with coping with a breast cancer diagnosis. Others simply do not want to have to go through another procedure that is not absolutely necessary. Also, some patients are advised by their surgeons to wait, especially if the breast has to be reconstructed in a complex procedure using skin flaps and underlying tissue.
Women with other health conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, or who are smokers, may also be advised to wait.
On the other hand, women who postpone reconstruction may go through a period of emotional readjustment, in which they have time to come to terms with the loss of a breast, and while they may feel anxious and confused, they may also begin to think of the reconstructed breast as their own.
Is breast reconstruction dangerous?
Theoretically, any woman who must lose her breast should be able to have it reconstructed surgically, but there are risks associated as with any operation, as well as complications specific to this procedure.
In general, there are the usual risks of all surgeries, such as bleeding, seroma, excessive scarring, or difficulties with anesthesia, although these are relatively infrequent. Also, as with any surgery, smokers should be informed that nicotine can delay recovery and produce more visible scarring. In some cases, complications may be aggravated to the point of requiring a second operation.
If a breast implant is used in reconstruction, there is a remote possibility of developing an infection within two weeks after surgery. In some of these cases, it may be necessary to remove the implant for several months until the infection disappears, and then place a new implant.
The most common problem is capsular contracture, which occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to contract. It will then exert pressure on the implant which can cause the breast to appear hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in a number of ways, sometimes requiring removal or cutting of the scar tissue, or even total removal or replacement of the implant.
Can breast reconstruction and cancer be harmful?
Breast reconstruction has no known effect on the recurrence of breast pathology, nor does it generally interfere with radiation or chemotherapy treatment. In each case the plastic surgeon specialist may recommend periodic mammograms on both the reconstructed breast and the remaining normal breast. If the reconstruction involves an implant, the patient should go to a radiology center where the technicians are experienced in the special techniques required to get a reliable x-ray of an implant-reconstructed breast.